Straw Man

This fallacy occurs when an argument misrepresents an idea so that it is easier to challenge. Politicians commonly distort their opponent’s position into something that is easier to attack, and by doing so commit the straw man fallacy. Be careful of those who try to convince you of an argument by purposefully twisting the words of another person or fact. This can be done by oversimplifying an argument, exaggerating an idea, or fabricating evidence in order to create something that is more easily argued against.

Example Argument: “President Obama said that he will not send land troops to the Middle East, so he must want there to be another terrorist attack like 9-11 on Americans.”

Let’s break it down:

Premise: President Obama will not send land troops to the Middle East

Conclusion: Obama wants another terrorist attack

This argument misrepresents President’s Obama’s decision about land troops does not necessarily mean that he wants terrorism attacks to happen. In fact, these two things are not connected and therefore make this argument illogical.